The National Botanic Garden of Wales is going back on the history trail from the 14th to 29th July as work resumes to uncover its past.
A team of archaeologists will once more be on site to trace the beginnings of the Middleton Hall estate which today’s Garden occupies.
Project Director, Prof David Austin of the University of Trinity St David said: “We were very excited last year to establish what we had long suspected, namely that the site is one of considerable importance with a history of occupation and formal planting dating back at least 400 years.
“Now, we are looking to develop the story further, to find out more about the grand dwelling and ornamental gardens that once existed here and to see whether there is evidence of even earlier occupation.
“We know that the Middletons were incomers to Carmarthenshire whose fortunes were founded, by happy coincidence, on the international profits on plants for health, but it’s almost certain that there was much earlier activity, too.”
The dig will be open to visitors to the Garden from 10am to 6pm, and there will be daily guided tours of the site (see website for details). The Garden is also looking for offers of volunteer support. If you would like to get involved please contact [email protected]
To find out more about last year’s excavations go to http://www.gardenofwales.org.uk/about-2/history-of-the-gardens/middleton-dig/
